How to Prepare for Coed Cheer Tryouts: A Guide for Aspiring College Cheerleaders5 min to read

Focus on Your Strengths and Improve Weaknesses

Emphasize Basing and Back Spotting Skills: Given your experience in basing and back-spotting, continue to hone these skills. Coed cheerleading places a significant emphasis on stunts, and having strong basing skills can be a substantial advantage.

Develop Tumbling Skills: While you mentioned having no tumbling skills, it’s never too late to start. Begin with basic tumbling classes and gradually progress to more complex skills. Many cheerleading gyms offer classes specifically for beginners or those looking to improve their tumbling. Remember, consistency and practice are key.

Cross-Training and Fitness

Enhance Your Physical Fitness: Coed cheerleading can be physically demanding. Engage in a fitness regime that includes strength training, flexibility exercises, and cardio. This will not only improve your overall fitness but also help with stunts and reduce the risk of injury.

Cross-Training: Participate in other sports or fitness activities that can complement your cheerleading skills. Activities like gymnastics, dance, or even yoga can improve your flexibility, body awareness, and performance quality.

Seek Feedback and Practice Relentlessly

Practice With Others: If possible, find a local cheer team or group you can practice with. This will provide you with the opportunity to work on stunting and tumbling in a supportive environment and receive feedback.

Record Yourself: Recording your practice sessions can be incredibly beneficial. It allows you to visually critique your form and progress, giving you a clear direction on what to work on next.

Mental Preparation

Stay Positive: Confidence and a positive attitude can greatly impact your performance. Visualize your success, and don’t let setbacks discourage you. Remember, every athlete has areas they can improve on.

Prepare for Tryouts: Familiarize yourself with the tryout process. This may include learning specific cheers, dances, or routines required for the audition. Practice these elements until you feel confident.

Explore Alternative Options

Consider the Club Team: You’ve already mentioned the option of joining the club team if you don’t make the coed team. This is an excellent opportunity to continue cheering while working on your skills. Club teams often offer a competitive environment that can prepare you for future tryouts.

Look for Workshops and Camps: Attend cheerleading camps or workshops. These can provide you with intensive training and expose you to higher levels of cheerleading, potentially offering feedback from experienced coaches.